Hello, fellow word-wizards and cryptic crossword enthusiasts! Welcome back to the blog, where we unpack the linguistic gymnastics and brain-teasing brilliance that make up our favorite puzzles. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a
crossword clue
that’s a true gem – one that perfectly encapsulates the delightful challenge of a well-crafted puzzle. It’s a seven-letter marvel that asks us to think both literally and laterally, a hallmark of excellent cryptic design.
The
crossword clue
in question today is:
“Crushes underfoot a relative by marriage (7)“
Just reading it sparks that familiar mix of intrigue and a delightful hum of confusion, doesn’t it? That’s the sign of a
crossword clue
that promises a satisfying “aha!” moment. Let’s break down this beauty, not to reveal the answer (perish the thought!), but to appreciate the artistry involved in its construction and the thought process it encourages.
At first glance, we have two distinct components and that ever-crucial number in parentheses: (7). This number, as any seasoned solver knows, is our guiding star, immediately narrowing down the vast universe of possible words. It tells us our solution is precisely seven letters long.
Now, let’s look at the textual parts of this particular
crossword clue
. We have “Crushes underfoot” and “a relative by marriage.” In a typical cryptic
crossword clue
, one of these phrases will be the definition, telling us what the answer
means
, and the other will be the wordplay, offering a clever route to
constructing
that answer from letters. Identifying which is which is often the first, and sometimes the trickiest, step.
Consider “a relative by marriage.” This seems like a straightforward definition, pointing to a family connection established through wedlock. Our minds immediately jump to terms like “in-laws”—mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and so on. But here’s where the (7) comes into play. None of those common “in-law” phrases fit our seven-letter requirement. This immediately signals that the
crossword clue
isn’t asking for a hyphenated, compound term. It’s pushing us to think more abstractly, or perhaps to consider a less common, single word that precisely means “a relative by marriage.” This kind of specific instruction is what makes a
crossword clue
so rewarding when you finally crack it. What single seven-letter word conveys that sense of being connected by matrimonial ties? It’s a fantastic mental exercise.
Then we have “Crushes underfoot.” This phrase conjures vivid imagery of pressure, stomping, perhaps even destruction or subjugation. If this were the definition, we’d be looking for a seven-letter word that means to ‘crush underfoot’. But how would “a relative by marriage” act as wordplay for such a concept? Alternatively, if “a relative by marriage” is our definition, then “Crushes underfoot” must be the wordplay. How does crushing something underfoot lead us to a word denoting a marital connection? This is where the true brilliance of the
crossword clue
lies.
Could “Crushes” be an anagram indicator, suggesting we rearrange letters found elsewhere? Does “underfoot” hint at something hidden, or perhaps indicate letters that go ‘below’ or ‘within’ others in a clever construction? The beauty is in the subtle misdirection and the way the two halves of the
crossword clue
dance around each other. The action implied by “crushes underfoot” will, through some ingenious wordplay mechanism, beautifully lead you to that specific seven-letter term for a family member by marriage.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in combining a precise definition with deceptive yet fair wordplay. It demands that we consider synonyms, look for hidden meanings, and perhaps even perform a little grammatical gymnastics. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that sticks with you long after the grid is filled, making you appreciate the cleverness of its setter.
So, take a moment. Ponder the possibilities. How do “Crushes underfoot” and “a relative by marriage” intersect in a seven-letter solution? The answer, when you find it, is incredibly satisfying. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
STEPSON.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 5 November 2025